I'm trying to find reviews on dive centers. I just moved to Santa Cruz California. I'm looking for helpful, professional staff that organize trips as well as a shop with fair prices on gear. Thanks for the help and info

The PADI and NAUI websites have shop locators and usually you can get the regional reps contact info for suggestions on a dive shop to meet your needs. As for gear www.scuba.com I would check out the Henderson H2 suits.

As far as wet suit goes, I agree with Bill greatly. After reading up from several sources and their review, I bought a 5mm Henderson H2 wetsuit. From the moment I put it on, I did not want to take it off. It was that comfortable.

Totally agree on the Henderson - I have one and adore it. Although, for that area you need a farmer john with hood and all that. Mine is a 7/5ml which won't let you survive those waters.

The best dive shop in the area I think is down in Monterey - Monterey Bay Dive Company - http://www.mbdcscuba.com/ its great for excursions and is right across from the beach for shore dives. That wall is great with the kelp.

A little farther inland and up, in San Carlos, is Wallins dive shop - http://www.wallins.com. They may be better for your gear to buy. They also arrange lots of trips and such, although they don't have a boat/water presence. That said, one of the best training facilities in the area. (they do have a pool). They are SSI and NAUI mostly though - I used to be a lone PADI freelance instructor there, and they may have more now - no idea. Their shop was great though. Definitely check it out for gear.